Jets

Jets’ Plaxico Burress Sits Out Practice With Elbow Issue

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Plaxico Burress insists his swollen left elbow won’t keep him out of his first game in the Jets-Patriots rivalry.

The New York wide receiver did not practice Wednesday after the elbow swelled up in the middle of the night. He fell on it during the Jets’ 34-17 loss at Baltimore last Sunday, and Burress woke up around 3 a.m. Wednesday because of the sudden swelling.

“I just had a little soreness, a little stiffness, a little swelling,” Burress said. “So they just held me out for today and I’ll be ready to go (Thursday) and Friday. So it’s nothing serious, just a little swelling, a little soreness, but it’s nothing to keep me out of the game.”

Coach Rex Ryan said the elbow needed to be drained, but Burress said he had an ultrasound taken to make sure it was OK.

Burress, who has 10 catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns, has also dealt with a sprained ankle and tightness in a hamstring since signing with the Jets as a free agent in late July. He had a long layoff from football after serving a 20-month prison term on a gun charge after accidentally shooting himself in the leg in November 2008.

Linebacker Calvin Pace also didn’t practice Wednesday because of an issue with his abdomen. Ryan said he should be fine to play against the Patriots. He and Burress worked off to the side with trainers during practice.

Center Nick Mangold was limited, but said his high right ankle sprain is improving. He participated in some drills in full pads with the first-team offense and hopes to play after missing the last two games.

“I’d say pretty good,” Mangold said of his chances of playing. “We’ll see. It’s day by day, but it’s looking good.”

Mangold added that if the Jets had been playing Wednesday, he thought he would be able to go.

Linebacker Garrett McIntyre (concussion) didn’t practice, although Ryan said he’s getting better after being injured at Baltimore. Rookie defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson was limited with a sore shoulder, as he has been the last couple of weeks.